Beestin reaping rewards

Alfie Beestin says the advice of the players around him is helping him to improve as a player.

Rovers’ first season back in Sky Bet League One has been a breakthrough season for the young forward, and he says he is always learning from those around him.

“I’ve learned a lot from a lot of the older pros here, James Coppinger helps me out a lot, we have a meeting one-to-one and he tells me about how he was when he was younger and what he did so that’s great to have him helping me,” he said.

“Tommy Rowe and Andy Butler are also there for the support when you need it, and even John Marquis as well, he’s not that old but he always gives you advice when we’re playing and encourages me to work hard.

“I think we have a really good group of lads here, and I think a good end to the season will give us a lot of confidence, we were flying after promotion last year and I think we’re doing well so far, and hopefully we can finish strongly.”

Beestin is set to make a return to the Rovers side as they host Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night, and he believes his brief time away from the squad has helped him to keep fresh and push on towards a strong season next campaign.

“I think I needed a short break out of the side, I came back from injury and I was quite lucky to get back into the team fairly quickly, but I feel like I’ve needed this rest and hopefully now I can get back in the team and help us get a good result against Blackburn,” he added.

“It’s been an unbelievable season for me, obviously I wanted to play as many games as I possibly could under my belt, but I never thought I’d play as much as I have, but I feel that I’ve deserved it.

“I’ve just got to make sure I get my head down, work hard and keep my place in the side, hopefully next season will be a big season for myself and the side, we want to be pushing for the play-offs and see where that takes us.”

Rovers’ game with Blackburn Rovers is now an all-ticket fixture, and tickets are still available via the Club Doncaster Box Office, either in-store, by calling on 01302 762576, or online at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.